(Radio Iowa) - Republicans on the Iowa House Health and Human Services Committee have voted to limit what Iowans using government SNAP benefits may buy.
The bill originally had a permitted list of groceries like "real" eggs, meat and milk as well as bread and pasta and peanut butter and nuts. Republican Representative Carter Nordman of Adel has proposed adjusting the bill, to limit SNAP purchases to "healthy foods." He says obesity related diseases often affect low income individuals at a much higher rate and the move will promote better eating habits in kids who live in households that quality for federal food assistance.
Democrats on the committee voted against the bill. They argued it's difficult to find affordable healthy food, like fresh fruits and vegetables, in rural Iowa stores and in urban areas as well.